I can't believe how fast the summer flies by. I love the sunshine and have a farmer's tan so distinct I'll have to keep wearing short sleeves even if I go to a beach this summer.
The wild weather has been something to watch and has offered much to talk about, but it hasn't been my only excitement.
I love a challenge and sometimes I take on more than usual. This season, I'm promoting Culture Days across the province. The event takes place across the country at the end of September. It has been going on in Quebec for about 15 years and it seems everyone participates in some way. Saskatchewan has been involved for less than three years and although popularity is rising there were only 35 communities with events registered last year.
I can't wait to see what else will happen this year. It doesn't take much to find cultural activities in this province. Summer is a time for festivals and we love to stop at every museum and gallery along the way.
One of my favourite summer jobs while a university student was at the historical museum in Duck Lake. I was already a fan of history and museums, but the experiences with the stories help forge a path leading me to a Bachelor of Arts majoring in history, and I think it had something to do with my development as a storyteller.
I can get nostalgic at this time of year, but I can also get excited about trying new things. We've attended the Ness Creek Music Festival several times and every year it has been a completely different experience for me. When I look around at the smiling faces on Sunday at the end of the festival I guess everyone has had a completely different experience.
I sang, danced, told and listened to stories and ate great food as usual, but I also tried some new things. I participated in a nature walk with children and really listened to the guide talk about the healing plants right next to the path. I tried jigging, learning a few steps of the Red River Jig under the instruction of a performer from Winnipeg.
I was convinced to try something dangerous by someone from North Battleford I hadn't met before. I, with little balance and at times less bravery, allowed myself to be strapped into stilts and actually gained the confidence to let go of the balancing structure. I was then talked into adding extensions to give me even more height. It was scary, but I loved it and I hope I'll have a chance to try something else new very soon.
